It is not always necessary to accept the course schedule you receive. Research which teacher might be best for you, and then try to arrange your schedule to get that teacher's class.
If you are in middle or high school, ask friends which math teachers they like and why. If you want to change your schedule, ask your parents for their support and then talk with your counselor. Once established in a class, remember to take advantage of the free peer tutoring that many schools offer.
Older students should call the local community college or adult education program to ask about different teachers' instructional styles. For example, which teacher is experienced at working with students who have learning difficulties and is good at explaining problems visually?
Community colleges often offer support classes in how to use a graphing calculator, a skill that is crucial by the time you reach advanced algebra. Free tutoring time may also be available.
Hard work and practice are necessary to make you shine in math. So whichever class you choose, remember that attending regularly and doing math homework daily will improve your grades and make the learning easier.
Online learning offers flexible scheduling and the ability to set your pace. However, you still need a good book on beginning algebra for further explanations and practice. If you are enrolled in an online high school or community college class, you will likely have an assigned text.
Independent learners can search an online bookseller for a good deal on an older version of a textbook. Read the customer reviews to see what parents of home-schooled students and other independent learners say about a book. Margaret L. Lial's "Beginning Algebra" is an example of a text that many seem to like. The newest hardback edition costs a bit more than $100. But a new copy of an older edition is only about $12.
Yard sales and used book sales at the local library are places where math teachers often find good deals. Also, if you don't need a text for more than six to nine weeks, you may be able to find it through a public library.
Math software is abundant. But first consider "freeware," computer applications for which there is no charge and which you can download online. There are also free interactive websites that include hands-on tutorials with voice-overs and pictures that the viewer can manipulate to understand an algebraic idea. These are called "virtual manipulatives." They take the place of actual blocks, cubes, and concrete materials such as weight scales that make it easier to "see" what an equation means.
Finally, don't forget to encourage yourself. Algebra may seem difficult at first, but you can do difficult things.